Mixing and pouring apparatus and vessel therefor

ABSTRACT

A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This Application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/420,965filed Oct. 20, 1999 (pending).

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to holding, mixing and pouringof vessels, and more particularly to mixing and pouring devices designedfor vessels having removable screw caps, and the vessels themselves.

BACKGROUND

Currently, manual processes for working with chemicals in solution,isolation of components from solution, and the like involve timeintensive operation of one (1) to 24 hours, including an overnightincubation period. Further, samples may need to be mixed, shaken,poured, agitated, and the like for certain time periods or a certainnumber of iterations.

In many lab processes, a sample of some material which containscomponents to be isolated, mixed, or the like is typically placed in asample vessel, and processes comprising the steps to be performed on thesample are performed on the vessel and its contents. Materials may beremoved from the vessel, added to the vessel, transferred to anothervessel, and the like.

Typical lab procedures for working with samples include mixing andagitating the sample, adding material to the sample, removing materialfrom the sample by pouring, and the like. These processes havetraditionally been performed by hand. Such manual performance of taskshas been and continues to be labor intensive, requiring time consumingand repetitive tasks that occupy a technician, often to the exclusion ofother tasks. The repetitive process steps of processes for working withchemicals, solutions, suspensions, and the like as described aboverequire precision and attention to detail, and may often rely on theskill of the technician responsible for the isolation. Repetitiveapplication of precise process steps lends itself to errors which maynegatively affect the quality of the processes performed. In the case ofunique or limited samples, such errors may occur when dealing withsamples that cannot be duplicated, or are irreplaceable.

Further, during many types of laboratory procedures, such as isolationof DNA, vessels are capped and recapped so that samples and reagents canbe added, contents can be shaken or moved, and so forth. Manymanufacturing processes, including processes for producing packagedfoods, chemicals, medicines, and so forth also involve capping oruncapping of vessels, and the adding and removal of contents.

Typically, threaded vessels and caps are used. Oftentimes, however, itis difficult to start the cap threads squarely on the vessel threads,which can cause the cap to not be securely attached, leading to leakageof vessel contents. In some cases, it may be necessary to stop theentire operation to clean up the spill, leading to reduced productivity.During precise laboratory procedures, such as DNA or RNA isolation, suchcontent loss can also cause contamination and cross-contamination ofsamples and the laboratory, such that the entire process needs to berestarted. Furthermore, if the vessel itself rotates as the cap is beingsecured, the vessel may remain uncapped or the cap may not be in theproper position, again leading to problems with loss of vessel contents.Vessel movement can also adversely affect fragile contents, such ascoagulated DNA strands suspended in a liquid, which can be torn byviscous effects in the liquid.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art byproviding a mixing and pouring apparatus for performing mixing andpouring tasks without requiring a user to perform the tasks, and vesselsfor use in such an apparatus.

The present invention further overcomes the problems of the prior art byproviding a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks avessel in place and realigns a cap in essentially the identical positionin relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In oneembodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned whenthe cap is properly secured to the vessel.

In one embodiment, a mixing and pouring apparatus includes a base, and alocking arm support carried on the base. A locking arm is rotatablymounted within the locking arm support, and a drive mechanism isoperatively coupled to the locking arm, the drive mechanism capable ofrotating the locking arm.

In another embodiment, a vessel having a substantially square flange atthe base of a series of external threads is disclosed. A cap having asubstantially identical square flange and internal threads is threadedonto the vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel has multiple disjointedthreads to provide an improved surface for starting the threads. In oneembodiment, four-start threads are used. In this embodiment, the cap isadequately secured after minimal turning.

In another embodiment, the cap and positioning system further comprisesa locking device for securing the vessel in a fixed position. Thelocking arm can be a pair of partitions on a lab rack, or a lockingpocket in a storage rack or the shaking and pouring device as describedabove.

In another embodiment, a method for positioning and repositioning avessel and cap in a substantially identical location is disclosed. Themethod further includes securing the vessel or a vessel and cap assemblyin a suitable locking arm for storage, transport, shaking, and so forth.

Other embodiments are described and claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus formixing and pouring;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a trough embodiment of the presentinvention pouring to waste;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the trough embodiment of FIG. 3 pouringto save;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a trough embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a registrationmechanism of the present invention in a home position;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with theregistration mechanism displaced from its home position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram view of a control embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a method embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a cap and vessel in oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a roll-out view of multiple disjointed threads in oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a top view of a cap in one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a cap in one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12C is a bottom view of a cap in one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13A is a top view of a vessel in one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a vessel in one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a cut-away perspective view of vessels in place on a lab rackin one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of vessels and caps in a storagerack in one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a cut-away perspective view of vessels with caps in a shakingand pouring device in one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of embodiments, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which areshown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventionmay be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantiallysimilar components throughout the several views. These embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, and it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and logical, structural, electrical, andother changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a mixing and pouring apparatus 100.Mixing and pouring apparatus 100 comprises a base 102, a locking armsupport 104, rotatable locking arm 106, drive mechanism 108, and motor130 (shown best in FIG. 2). Mixing and pouring apparatus 100 is suitablefor use with a vessel and cap structure 110 such as vessel 112 and cap114 shown in greater detail in FIGS. 11, 11A, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, and13B and described below.

Base 102 serves as a support for the remaining components of the mixingand pouring apparatus 100. Base 102 includes on one embodiment guide pinopenings 132 capable of receiving a supplemental vessel and cap cradlefor use in a pouring operation to be described later. Locking armsupport 104 includes openings for receiving a support or supports forthe locking arm 106 at its ends 144 and 146. Shaft 134 of locking armsupport 104 is fixedly connected to drive mechanism 108 and locking arm106 for effecting motion of locking arm 106 is response to operation ofthe drive mechanism 108.

Locking arm 106 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft134, and is rotated upon actuation of the drive mechanism 108 to effectthe rotation or other motion of the locking arm 106 initiated by thedrive mechanism 108. As will be described in greater detail below,locking arm 106 is capable of holding and retaining vessels such asvessel 112 within one of a plurality of vessel openings 140 in the topof the locking arm 106. As will be described below, each of the vesselopenings 140 in the locking arm 106 is surrounded by a locking pocket142 which is shaped and sized in one embodiment to match a flange suchas flange 118 of a vessel such as vessel 112 to secure the vesselagainst rotation in the locking pocket 142 and opening 140.

The locking arm 106 further comprises in one embodiment vacuum lockingports 144 which serve to secure a vessel such as vessel 112 into thelocking arm 106 so that the locking arm with the vessel therein may berotated, tipped, inverted, or the like, without the vessel falling outof the locking arm. In this embodiment, each of the locking ports 144comprises a locking opening 146 (also shown in FIG. 16) having at itsedge an O-ring 148 to seal the opening 146 when a vessel such as vessel112 is placed in the opening 146 and a vacuum or partial vacuum is drawnbelow the port 144.

A vacuum or partial vacuum is drawn below the port 144 which holds thevessel 112 against the O-ring 148 within the port opening 146, therebyretaining the vessel 112 within the port 144 and within the locking arm106. Once the vessel 112 is secured within the port 144, the locking armmay be rotated, tipped, or the like without the vessel 112 beingseparated from the locking arm. If a cap such as cap 114 is on thevessel 112, then any motion of the locking arm 106 will result in anagitation, nixing, or shaking of the contents of the vessel 112. If thecap 114 is removed from the vessel 112, then the rotation of the lockingarm 106 will result in a pouring of contents from the vessel 112.

In one embodiment, a vacuum line 150 is connected to an external vacuumpump in one embodiment. It should be understood that an internal vacuumpump could also be used. It is sufficient that some vacuum pump beconnected to the ports 144 to draw a partial vacuum below the vessel tip117. In cutaway in FIG. 1, one embodiment of a connection of a vacuumline 150 to several ports 144 is shown. In this embodiment, the vacuumline 150 is connected from an external vacuum pump to the locking arm106. Internal to the locking arm, the vacuum line 150 is connected toeach of the ports 144 so as to draw a partial vacuum at each port whenthe vacuum pump is turned on.

The partial vacuum is also applied when the contents of the vessel 112are being poured out so that the vessel 112 will not fall out of themixing and pouring station 100 as it is being tipped. In this way, thevessel 116 can be rotated beyond a horizontal position without slippingout, and its contents emptied out completely, or sufficiently to removeexcess material while leaving desirable material in the vessel 112.

In other embodiments, other apparatuses for holding vessels such asvessel 112 within the locking arm 106 include by way of example only andnot by way of limitation clamps, threads, clips, pins, and the like. Itis sufficient that the vessels be held in the locking arm 112 so that ifinverted, the vessels will not fall out of the locking arm 112.

As is best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive mechanism 108 comprises inone embodiment a pair of gears, drive gear 152 and free gear 154. Drivegear 152 is operatively coupled to shaft 156 of motor mechanism 130, andtherefore rotates when shaft 156 rotates. Free gear 154 is fixedlycoupled to shaft 134, and rotates therewith. As has been mentioned,shaft 134 is fixedly coupled to locking arm 106. Therefore, when freegear 154 rotates, shaft 134 and locking arm 106 also rotate. A belt 158is seated over gears 152 and 154. In one embodiment, gears 152 and 154are notched, and belt 158 is notched, so that the notches of belt 158fit the notches of gears 152 and 154. In this embodiment, rotation ofthe drive gear 152 directly corresponds to rotation of the free gear 154at a known ratio. The notches of the gears 152 and 154, and of the belt158, eliminate to a large extent any potential slippage of the belt 158on the gears. When the motor 130 operates, the shaft 156 rotates,driving the drive gear 152, moving the belt 158 to rotate the free gear154 and consequently the shaft 134 and the locking arm 106.

The motor 130 is in one embodiment controlled externally by a computercontrol. Computer control signals are sent to the motor 130 along line129. Such a computer control allows the choice by a user of theoperation of the motor, and therefore the motion of the locking armthrough the operation of the drive mechanism 108. In this embodiment, auser can program a single operation of the locking arm, or multipleoperations of the locking arm. For example, if it is desired to mix thecontents of a vessel retained within the locking arm, the user maychoose rotation of the locking arm in complete 360 degree rotationsabout the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The speed of rotation isadjusted or set by the user, and the known ratio of the drive gear sizeto the free gear size allows the computer to program the motor to driveshaft 156 at the appropriate rotational speed to supply the desiredrotational speed of the locking arm 106.

Motor 130 is in one embodiment a so-called smart motor. The motor 130 inthis embodiment includes a processor and memory (FIG. 9) which arecapable of executing and storing a series of commands for operation ofthe apparatus 100 without further input from an external control. Thecommands are in one embodiment downloaded to the memory over computercontrol line 129, and are executed in the process without further inputfrom the external computer control. In this embodiment, an entiresequence of steps may be programmed into the motor 130 for execution ata later time, such as when the apparatus 100 is unattended, or when thesteps of the process are lengthy and it is not necessary for a user suchas a scientist or technician to be present to oversee each step or thefull process.

A computer control system capable of operating the apparatus 100 isdisclosed in co-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 09/255,146, entitledCOMPUTER IMPLEMENTED DNA ISOLATION METHOD, filed Feb. 22, 1999, and Ser.No. 09/361,829, entitled COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED NUCLEIC ACID ISOLATIONMETHOD AND APPARATUS, filed Jul. 27, 1999, which are herein incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

Motor 130 and drive mechanism 108 in one embodiment have a registrationmechanism to ensure that the locking arm begins its operationalprocesses from the same position each time the apparatus 100 is started.Such registration mechanism is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2, 6,and 7. A registration disk 137 is fixedly attached to shaft 134, so thatregistration disk 137 will rotate when shaft 134 rotates as describedabove. Registration disk 137 has therein along its circumference aregistration slot 139 extending inward from the outer edge toward shaft134. In the position shown in FIG. 6, the registration slot is alignedwith optocoupler 138 when the locking arm 106 is substantially verticalwith respect to the plane 131 of the base 102 of apparatus 100.

Optocoupler 138 has an optical transmitter 133 each electricallyconnected to the motor 130. Transmitter 133 emits a light signal. Whenslot 139 is between the transmitter 133 and optical receiver 135,receiver 135 receives the light signal from transmitter 133, indicatingthat the registration disk 137 is in its “home” position, that is, thelocking arm 106 is substantially vertical with respect to plane 131. Ifno signal is received by receiver 135, then the registration disk 137and hence the locking arm 106 and any vessels 112 retained therein arenot substantially vertical. The motor 130, upon startup, will rotate theshaft 156, and therefore operated drive mechanism 108, to bring theregistration disk 137 back to its home position before initiating anymixing or pouring operations.

In the position shown in FIG. 7, the registration disk 137 has rotatedthrough an angle α, as has the locking arm 106. If the locking arm isrotated away from the home position shown in FIG. 6 before initiation ofa process step, the optocoupler does not make a connection and the motorrotates the shaft 156 until the optocoupler makes a connection betweenits transmitter 133 and receiver 135.

It should be understood that other registration mechanisms may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention. For example, but notby way of limitation, such registration could be accomplished by manualrotation and alignment, through the known gear ratio of free gear 154 todrive gear 152, or the like.

Alternatively, the user may choose to invert the vessels retained withinthe locking arm 106. This action may be repeated multiple times. Itshould be understood that any number of sequences of rotational motionmay be programmed into a computer control as described above, or may beinitiated by the user by utilizing the computer control.

Another action which may be desired by a user is a pouring action. Inmany laboratory processes, materials must be poured from the vessels.The material removed from the vessel may be waste material, or it may bematerial to be saved. Such pouring operations are referred to herein as“pour to waste” and “pour to save” respectively.

The locking arm support 104 of apparatus 100 in one embodiment includesa waste trough 160 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 5) having a center drain 162connected to a drain hose 164. Waste trough 160 receives “pour to waste”material poured from a vessel 112 retained within the locking arm 106when the vessel 112 has its cap 114 removed and the locking arm 106rotates toward the back 168 of apparatus 100. As is best seen in FIG. 3,when locking arm 106 is rotated toward back 168 of apparatus 100 while acapless vessel 112 is retained within locking arm 106, any waste fluidfrom vessel 112 is poured into trough 160 to drain out drain 162 anddrain hose 164.

In one embodiment, trough 160 has bottom surfaces 166 which are angleddownward and inward from edges 170 and 172 of trough 160 so that drain162 is located at the physical lowest point of trough 160 when trough160 is substantially vertical, to facilitate proper draining of wastematerial from trough 160. It should be understood that any drainconfiguration allowing the trough 160 to drain would suffice, and theinvention is not limited to a center drain.

Referring now also to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a pour to saveconfiguration is shown in greater detail. In the pour to save operation,when a capless vessel 112 is retained within locking arm 106, andlocking arm 106 is rotated toward the front 174 of apparatus 100, anyfluid from the vessel 112 is poured from the vessel 112 into anothervessel 113 held in a supplemental vessel cradle 107 which is similar inshape and size to locking arm 106, but which does not contain the vacuumports or vacuum connections of locking arm 106. Cradle 107 has aplurality of guide pins 176 which engage guide pin openings 132 in base102 of apparatus 100 so as to position supplemental cradle 107 toreceive vessels such as vessel 113 capable of retaining fluid pouredfrom vessels 112 retained within locking arm 106.

As they are used herein, the terminology top, bottom, and sides arereferenced according to the views presented. It should be understood,however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, andare not intended to be used as limitations. Orientation may changewithout departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an embodiment 900 of an apparatus suchas apparatus 100 and its connects to an external vacuum pump 902 andcomputer control 904. In one embodiment, motor 130 includes processor906 and memory 908, whose functions have been described above.

One embodiment of the cap and vessel assembly 110 is shown in FIG. 11.In this embodiment, the cap and vessel assembly 110 comprises a vessel112 and a cap 114. The vessel 112 comprises a vessel body (or skirt) 116contiguous with a vessel flange 118. The vessel body 116 has individualor “disjointed” external threads 1120 a, 1120 b, 1120 c and 1120 d(hereinafter “1120 a–1120 d”) visible on one side of an upper portion ofthe vessel body 116 above the vessel flange 118. There can be anysuitable distance or “groove” between the external threads 1120 a–1120d. In one embodiment, the distance between threads is about two to threetimes the thickness of each thread.

The vessel body 116 can be any size and shape depending on theapplication. It should be understood that for different sizes and shapesof vessels, different locking openings and ports are contemplated, andare within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the vesselbody 116 is a cylindrically-shaped tube as shown in FIG. 11. Such a tubecan have a tapered bottom as shown in FIG. 11, or can have a flat orrounded bottom as desired. This type of tube is typically used in alaboratory as a test tube into which small amounts of samples andreagents are placed.

In one embodiment, the vessel 112 is a tube that holds about 50 ml offluid material and has a length of about 11.4 cm (about 4.5 in), aninner diameter of about 2.8 to three (3) cm (about 1.1 to 1.2 in) with awall thickness of about 0.1 cm (about 0.4 in). The tapered bottom can bedesigned in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the tapered portionhas an angle 1122 of about 54 degrees starting about 1.5 cm (about 0.6in) up from the bottom in a vessel 112 having an overall length of about11.4 cm.

The disjointed external threads 1120 a–1120 d, can have any known typeof profile or form, such as American Standard, square, Acme, and soforth. In another embodiment, conventional joined single or multiplethreads are used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, quadruple or“four-start” external disjointed threads are used. In this way the cap114 can be securely fastened to the vessel 112 with a minimum ofturning. The threads can be present along any suitable length of thevessel 112 and in one embodiment, extend to just above the vessel flange118. In one embodiment, the external threads 1120 a–1120 d cover aboutthe upper 1.2 cm (0.48 in) of a vessel having an overall length of about11.4 cm.

In a disjointed thread configuration, each individual thread typicallyextends around the circumference of a vessel body in proportion to thenumber of disjoint threads in the configuration. In a triple or“three-start” configuration, there are three separate threads, each ofwhich start and stop at approximately 120 degree intervals. In a“four-start” thread configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, there are fourseparate external threads 1120 a–1120 d. Each external thread 1120a–1120 d starts and stops at approximately 90 degree intervals inrelation to the adjacent thread, and each thread extends approximately180 degrees around the top of the vessel body 116.

In a roll-out view of the external threads 1120 a–1120 d shown in FIG.11A, it can be seen that each thread starts at the about the samedistance down from the top of the vessel body 116. As such, acorresponding cap with four matching disjointed threads (which have thesame configuration as shown in FIG. 11A) will initially rest on all fourexternal threads 1120 a–1120 d on the vessel body 116 no matter where itis placed on the vessel 112.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, the threads are malethreads that are all at a slight angle in relation to horizontal,although the invention is not so limited. Angling the threads in thisway, however, allows them to be molded more easily. Further, the slightangle provides an upwardly facing relief face on the lower side of theexternal threads 1120 a–1120 d as is known in the art. In oneembodiment, the angle is about ten (10) to 25 degrees. In anotherembodiment, the angle is about 20 to 22 degrees.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the vessel flange 118 can be any suitablesize and shape provided it can serve to hold the vessel 112 in a fixedposition on a suitable locking arm, such as the locking arm 106 orsupplemental cradle 107 of mixing and pouring device 100 discussedabove. In one embodiment, the vessel flange 118 is compatible with thecorresponding cap flange 128 discussed in more detail below. In oneembodiment, the vessel flange 118 is substantially square, triangular,round or rectangular shaped. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, thevessel flange 118 is substantially square shaped with each corner isangled, although the invention is not so limited. However, by removingthe sharp edges at each corner, added comfort is provided for the personhandling the vessels 112 and caps 114.

In one embodiment, the vessel flange 118 surrounds the entirecircumference of the vessel body 116. The vessel flange 118 can be anysuitable size in relation to the vessel body 116. In one embodiment, thecombined diameter of the vessel body 116 and vessel flange 118 is aboutone (1) to 15% greater than the outer diameter of the vessel body 116along all sides. In another embodiment, the vessel flange 118 extendsbeyond the vessel body 116 only in the corner areas of the vessel flange118. In another embodiment, the vessel flange 118 does not surround theentire circumference of the vessel body 116, and is present only oncertain portions of the vessel body 116, such as on two opposing sidesor at three or more locations, such as in a spoke arrangement. In oneembodiment, the vessel flange is about 0.02 to 0.6 cm (about 0.008 to0.24 in) thick.

The cap 114 comprises a cap body (or skirt) 126 and cap flange 128,which is integral with the cap body 126. The cap body 126 shown in FIG.11 is substantially circular in shape and has a circular internal ridge(shown in FIG. 12B) around which the top of the vessel body 116 sets.The cap body 126 further has internal threads 1130 a, 1130 b, 1130 c and1130 d (hereinafter “1130 a–1130 d”) as shown. The internal threads 1130a–1130 d can be any conventional type of threads, but in one embodimentare also individual or disjointed threads substantially identical to theexternal threads 1120 a–1120 d on the vessel body 116. In oneembodiment, the internal threads 1130 a–1130 d are also male threads. Inanother embodiment, the internal threads 1130 a–1130 d are femalethreads. Molding female threads in this manner is more difficult,however, because the cap body 126 needs to be thickened to compensatefor loss of wall thickness in the area of the threads. The end result isa larger and thicker cap 114.

The internal threads 1130 a–1130 d can be substantially horizontal or atany suitable relief angle, which can be a minimum relief angle as shownin FIG. 11. As noted above, angling the internal threads 1130 a–1130 din this manner allows them to be molded more easily as discussed above,although the angle should not be so steep as to cause the internalthreads 1130 a–1130 d to “jump” the external threads 1120 a–1120 d onthe vessel body 116 when being screwed on. Further, angling the threadsin this manner provides a downwardly facing pressure face on the upperside of the internal threads 1130 a–1130 d as is known in the art. Inone embodiment, the angle is about ten (10) to 25 degrees. In anotherembodiment, the angle is about 20 to 22 degrees.

The dimensions and shape of the cap flange 128 are substantiallyidentical to the corresponding vessel flange 118. In one embodiment, thecap flange 120 is substantially square and is nearly flush with theouter diameter of the cap body 126 on four sides, extending outwardlyfrom the cap body 126 only in the four corner areas as shown in FIG. 11.

The vessel 112 and cap 114 can be made from any suitable material. Inone embodiment, the vessel 112 and cap 114 are made from an inertmaterial which does not react with the contents of the vessel. In aparticular embodiment, the vessel 112 and cap 114 are injection moldedwith polypropylene. Each component further has a small draft in order toremove the die as is known in the art. Additionally, the parting lineflash for each can be held to any suitable amount, such as less thanabout 0.003 in witness, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the male threads in both the cap and vessel are madewith an unscrewing core or die which leaves strong and substantialthreads to provide a tight lock-up with mating threads. This is incontrast to internal cap threads made using a steel core pin, which aretypically very rounded so the cap can be easily snapped off the moldingcore pin. In one embodiment, the threading cores in the die for the capsand vessels have virtually identical phasing relationships such that theinternal (cap) threads 1130 a–1130 d produced in the die are virtuallyidentical and in phase with the external (vessel) threads 1120 a–1120 d,all of which are also virtually identical. Further, by molding invirtually identical anti-rotating devices, i.e., vessel flanges 118 andcap flanges 128, on both the vessel 112 and cap 114 at the same point inrelation to the threads, all of the internal threads 1130 a–1130 d inevery cap 114 locate virtually to the same depth as every other cap 114.

The cap body 126 and vessel body 116 can further have any suitabletexture. In one embodiment, some or all of the cap body 126 and/orvessel body 116 has a knurled or ridged texture comprised of a series ofvertical lines. Typically such a knurled surface aids in gripping andserves as a type of “anti-rotation” device. This type of surface may beuseful in embodiments in which there are no other anti-rotation devices,i.e., the cap flange 128 and/or vessel flange 118.

In operation, the cap body 126 is placed over the vessel body 116 andthe cap 114 can be given a turn sufficient to provide sealing of thecontents inside the vessel 112. With a four-start thread configurationfor the external threads of the vessel 112 as described above, it ispossible to obtain an adequate seal with less than a ¼ or 90 degree turnof the cap body 126 in relation to the vessel body 116. In anotherembodiment, the cap body 126 is turned any amount up to 360 degrees. Theamount of rotation needed to secure the cap 114 depends on where the cap114 is placed initially. In any of these embodiments, the vessel 112 issealed when the edges of the flanges (118 and 128) are aligned.Specifically, in one embodiment, the cap 114 comes to an abrupt stop atthis point and further turning does nothing to change the relationshipbetween the cap 114 and vessel 112. This is due to the particular designof the internal and external threads 1130 a–1130 d and 1120 a–1120 d,respectively, including the profile shape, angle, and so forth. Theamount of rotation required to remove the cap 114 from the vessel 112can be designed to be any suitable amount. In one embodiment, theassembly 110 is designed to require a 180 degree rotation for removal.Such rotation amount depends on the ramp angle of the threads, spacebetween the top of cap 114 and beginning of the threads, and so forth.In this way, a suitably designed automated device, such as a caprotator, discussed below, can be used to secure and remove the caps 114by rotating the cap (114) 180 degrees in either direction. In thisembodiment, the assembly 110 can be designed to require up to a 180degree rotation for removal even if less than a 180 degree rotation isneeded to secure the cap 114 to the vessel 112. In one exemplaryembodiment, the ramp angle of the internal threads 1130 a–1130 d isabout 21 degrees and the threads are spaced down about 0.44 cm (0.175in) from the top of a cap 114 having an inner diameter of about 2.7 cm(1.05 in) and an outer diameter of about 2.8 cm (1.12 in).

With use of multiple individual threads, the internal threads 1130a–1130 d of the cap 114 load on multiple and separate thread surfaces(1120 a–1120 d) on the vessel body 116, rather than on only one,providing a more stable positioning system. Although multiple threadsprovide enhanced stability as compared with a single thread, sometipping can still occur with double and triple thread configurations.With use of the four-start threads for the external threads of thevessel body 116, there are four individual threads 1120 a–1120 d ontowhich the four internal threads 1130 a–1130 d of the cap 114 are incommunication with initially as shown above in FIG. 11A, providing aflat plane, thus preventing tipping. In this way, the cap 114 can betaken on and off relatively quickly.

Additionally, use of the cap flange 128 not only helps with correctlypositioning and repositioning the cap body 126 on the vessel body 116,it also serves as a strengthening device. Specifically, with the capflange 128 present, the cap body 126 can not expand or bend if excesstorque is applied. Similarly, the vessel flange 118 prevents the vesselbody 116 from caving in if the cap body 126 is secured to the externalthreads 1120 a–1120 d with excess torque. Generally, the use of torqueis not required with this type of thread arrangement, and completesealing can be obtained with minimal turning, as noted above.

FIG. 12A is a top view of the cap 114, showing the cap flange 128 andcap body 126 as described above. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view ofthe cap 114 showing the cap body 126 and internal threads 130. As notedabove there is also an internal ridge 1210 around which the top of thevessel body fits. FIG. 12C is a bottom view of the cap 114 showing thecap flange 128, as well as the inner and outer diameters of the cap body126 and the internal ridge 1210.

FIG. 13A is a top view of the vessel 112 showing the vessel flange 118and vessel body 116. The wall 1310 of the vessel body 116 can also beseen in this view. FIG. 13B is a cross-section of the vessel 112 showingthe wall 1310, the vessel flange 118 and the external threads 1120a–1120 d as described above.

The assembly 110 can be placed in any number of devices that serve tohold the assembly 110 in position and further aid in positioning the cap114 to the vessel 112. FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of a lab rack 1410which has been modified to have partitions 1412 between rows of holes1414. Any suitably sized lab rack 1410 can be used. In one embodiment,there are four rows of holes 1414, each row having eight (8) holes 1414through which 32 vessels 112 can be placed. In this embodiment, thepartitions 1412 run the entire length of the lab rack 1410. Thepartitions 1412 are spaced such that two opposing sides of each vesselflange 118 are in contact with adjacent partitions 1412 when in place onthe rack 1410 and properly positioned. In this way, the vessel 112 isheld securely in place so that samples or reagents can be added, thevessel 112 can be capped, and so forth.

In one embodiment, a lab operator loads a portion of the rack 1410, suchas about half, with samples. If a bar code is present on the vessel 112,that can be scanned into a suitable scanning device at this time. Whenthe operator is ready to seal the contents of a vessel 112, the operatormanually places a cap 114 (which can also have a bar code) onto a vessel112, turning the cap 114 until the cap flange 126 is aligned with thevessel flange 118. As with the placement of the vessels 112, thepresence of the partitions 1412 on either side of each row insures thatthe caps 114 will be placed in the correct position. Specifically, ifthe vessel flanges 118 and cap flanges 128 are not in alignment, thevessels 112 and caps 114 will not fit in between the partitions 1412.Further, as discussed above, the thread design and seating tolerancescause the cap 114 to come to an abrupt stop when it is in properalignment, so that this proper alignment is easily achieved. Therefore,with substantially square cap and vessel flanges, 128 and 118,respectively, the cap 114 and vessel 112 can be dropped into position infour different ways, i.e., along any of the four edges of the flanges118 and 128.

FIG. 15 shows a shuttle device 1510 which is used to store the cap 114and vessel 116. The cap 114 and vessel 112 can be stored in the shuttledevice 1510 when not in use, or for transport during any type ofprocedure. Such procedure can be any type of manual or automatedprocedure. As FIG. 15 shows, the shuttle device 1510 contains pairs ofidentical holes for storing a vessel 112 and its corresponding cap 114.The shuttle device 1510 comprises the same type of holes 140, each witha step or locking pocket 142 as the mixing and pouring device 100discussed in FIG. 1. The locking pocket 142 is designed to be the samesize and depth as the flanges, i.e., cap flange 128 and vessel flange118. The shuttle device 1510 can contain any number of holes 140 asdesired for a particular application. In one embodiment, there are four(4) pairs of holes 140 to support four pairs of vessels and caps.

When capping the vessel 112, the cap 114 can be picked up, placed on thevessel 112 and rotated the desired amount, such as 90, 180, 270 or 360degrees. In one embodiment, the cap 114 is rotated approximately 180degrees clockwise in relation to the vessel 112. When the cap 114 isremoved from the vessel 112, it is rotated the same amount in reverseand placed back in its original hole. In one embodiment, the cap 114 isscrewed onto the vessel 112 with a ½ or 180 degree rotation in onedirection and unscrewed with a ½ or 180 degree rotation in the oppositedirection.

In one embodiment, the caps 114 are picked up simultaneously andautomatically by a series of cap rotators 1516, placed on the vessel 116and rotated 180 degrees. Each cap rotator 1516 comprises a cap rotatorbody 1518 and two blades or fingers 1520. The blades 1520 can be madefrom any suitable material, such as replaceable tool steel. In oneembodiment, the blades 1520 are secured to the rotator cap body 1518with a suitable connector 1522. Each cap rotator 1516 further has aninternal suction cup (not shown) to hold the cap 114 firmly in place asit is being transported or rotated. Any number of cap rotators 1516 canbe used so that multiple caps 114 can be picked up and movedsimultaneously.

An embodiment of the vessel sealing method 1000 described herein isshown in FIG. 10. Method 1000 comprises placing a threaded cap having acap flange on a threaded vessel having a vessel flange in block 1002,and securing the threaded cap to the threaded vessel a first time byrotating the threaded cap in one direction, the threaded cap secured tothe threaded vessel when the cap flange and vessel flange are aligned inblock 1004.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, each of the holes 140 further haverecesses 1524 on opposing sides into which the opposing blades 1520 onthe cap rotator 516 slide to pick up the cap 114 in order to move it outof the locking pocket 142. The process is completed in reverse when itis desired to remove the cap 114. In other words, the cap 114 is rotated180 degrees in the reverse direction and returned to the locking pocket142 in the same position it began. The screwing and unscrewing of thecap 114 and placement in the locking pocket 142 can also be completedmanually. In one embodiment, bar codes are used to identify the vessel112 and cap 114 so that the same cap 114 is always used with the samevessel 112. This helps to ensure that there is no contamination orcross-contamination, although in most embodiments all of the vessels 112and caps 114 are made with the same die so that the caps and vessels areinterchangeable.

The shuttle device 1510 or the cap rotators 1520 can also be used tomove the vessels 112 and caps 114 to any location desired in theprocess, such as underneath reagent dispensing devices, to centrifugingstations and into alignment with subsequent lab racks 1410 (shown inFIG. 14).

The shuttle device 1510 can also transport vessel and cap assemblies 110to the mixing and pouring station 100 described above, as shown in FIG.16. The holes 140 with opposing recesses 1524 as well as the lockingpocket 142 are the same as shown in previous figures. By locking theflanges, 128 and 118, in place in this way, the assembly 110 does notcome loose and start to reposition itself during a shaking or pouringstep. Any suitable number of assemblies 110 can be placed in the mixingand pouring station 100. In one embodiment, eight assemblies 110 areplaced in this device. The assemblies 110 can be moved to this locationmanually or automatically, such as with the cap rotator 1516 as shown.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the vacuum port 144 serves tofurther secure the vessel 116 in place, particularly when the cap 114 isbeing rotated on or off.

The various holding devices shown in FIGS. 1, 14, 15 and 16 can be usedindividually or in combination in any type of automated or manuallaboratory or manufacturing procedure as described above.

The mixing and pouring apparatus 100 allows a user to more closelycontrol the operations of mixing, agitating, and pouring. The apparatus100 is precisely controlled by the motor 130 and external computercontrol, so that it is capable of performing any number of programmedtasks.

Furthermore, the cap and vessel flanges of the present invention providemeans to cap and recap a vessel without losing track of where threadsare located on the vessel, such that the cap is resecured to the vesselin substantially the identical location and manner each and every time.Rotation of the cap then engages the two sets of threads evenly andconsistently. Once the flanges are oriented in the same direction, thevessel is tightly sealed. Proper alignment also ensures that the vesselis locked into position for transport, shaking, and so forth. Throughuse of multiple disjointed threads on the vessel, the cap and vesselpositioning system of the present invention has the added advantage ofproviding a tight seal with only a minimum amount of turning.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. It isintended that this invention be limited only by the following claims,and the full scope of equivalents thereof.

1. A mixing and pouring apparatus, comprising: a base; a locking armsupport carried on the base; a locking arm rotatably mounted within thelocking arm support; and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to thelocking arm, the drive mechanism capable of rotating the locking arm,wherein the locking arm further comprises a plurality of vessel openingsand a matching plurality of vacuum ports, each of the vessel openingssized to accommodate a vessel, and each of the vacuum ports capable ofretaining the vessel in the locking arm.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,and further comprising a motor operatively connected to the drivemechanism, the motor effecting operation of the drive mechanism torotate the locking arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lockingarm further comprises a plurality of locking pockets, one locking pocketof the plurality of locking pockets surrounding one of the plurality ofvessel openings.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each lockingpocket is substantially square.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach locking port comprises a locking opening and an O-ring surroundingthe locking opening, and wherein the locking opening is connected to avacuum line for drawing a partial vacuum in the locking opening.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the vacuum line is situated internal tothe locking arm.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking armsupport further comprises a drain trough for receiving waste materialfrom a vessel situated in the locking arm when the locking arm isrotated to pour material from a vessel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the drain trough includes a drain for draining waste fluid. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: a motorhaving a drive shaft, the motor connectable to an external motorcontrol; a drive gear operatively coupled to the drive shaft; a freegear operatively, fixedly coupled to the rotatable locking arm; and abelt seated over the drive gear and the free gear, and wherein the beltis movable to drive the free gear in response to motion of the drivegear.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the drive gear andthe free gear has a plurality of gear notches, and wherein the belt hasa plurality of belt notches, the belt notches and gear notches matchingin size.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, and further comprising aregistration mechanism, the registration mechanism comprising: aregistration disk operatively, fixedly coupled to the free gear, theregistration disk having a registration slot therein; an optocouplerhaving a transmitter and a receiver separated by a gap, wherein theregistration disk is positioned to extend into the gap; and controllines operatively electrically connected to the optocoupler and to themotor; and wherein the registration slot is aligned in the gap of theoptocoupler when the registration disk is in a home position wherein thelocking arm is in a substantially vertical position.
 12. The apparatusof claim 11, wherein the motor queries the receiver, and drives thedrive shaft to rotate the registration disk to its home position. 13.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor further comprises aprocessor and a memory, the memory capable of storing a plurality ofoperating commands for the motor, and the processor capable of executingthe stored commands to operate the motor.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the base includes a plurality of guide pin openings, theapparatus further comprising: a supplemental cradle having a pluralityof cradle vessel openings each sized to accommodate a vessel, thesupplemental cradle having a plurality of guide pins extending thereforeto engage the guide pins with the guide pin openings to position thesupplemental cradle on the base.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, whereinthe supplemental cradle further comprises a plurality of lockingpockets, each of the locking pockets surrounding one of the plurality ofvessel openings.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of thelocking pockets is substantially square.
 17. A mixing and pouringapparatus, comprising: a base; a locking arm support carried on thebase; a locking arm rotatably mounted within the locking arm support,the locking arm further comprises a plurality of vessel openings and amatching plurality of vacuum ports, each of the vessel openings sized toaccommodate a vessel, and each of the vacuum ports capable of retainingthe vessel in the locking arm; and a drive mechanism operatively coupledto the locking arm, the drive mechanism capable of rotating the lockingarm and comprising: a motor having a drive shaft, the motor connectableto an external motor control; a drive gear operatively coupled to thedrive shaft; a free gear operatively, fixedly coupled to the rotatablelocking arm; and a belt seated over the drive gear and the free gear,and wherein the belt is movable to drive the free gear in response tomotion of the drive gear.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, and furthercomprising: a registration mechanism, the registration mechanismcomprising: a registration disk operatively, fixedly coupled to the freegear, the registration disk having a registration slot therein; anoptocoupler having a transmitter and a receiver separated by a gap,wherein the registration disk is positioned to extend into the gap; andcontrol lines operatively electrically connected to the optocoupler andto the motor; and wherein the registration slot is aligned in the gap ofthe optocoupler when the registration disk is in a home position whereinthe locking arm is in a substantially vertical position.
 19. A mixingand pouring apparatus, comprising: a base; a locking arm support carriedon the base; a locking arm rotatably mounted within the locking armsupport; and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the locking arm,the drive mechanism capable of rotating the locking arm drive mechanismcomprises: a motor having a drive shaft, the motor connectable to anexternal motor control; a drive gear operatively coupled to the driveshaft; a free gear operatively, fixedly coupled to the rotatable lockingarm; and a belt seated over the drive gear and the free gear, andwherein the belt is movable to drive the free gear in response to motionof the drive gear; a registration mechanism, the registration mechanismcomprising: a registration disk operatively, fixedly coupled to the freegear, the registration disk having a registration slot therein; anoptocoupler having a transmitter and a receiver separated by a gap,wherein the registration disk is positioned to extend into the gap; andcontrol lines operatively electrically connected to the optocoupler andto the motor; and wherein the registration slot is aligned in the gap ofthe optocoupler when the registration disk is in a home position whereinthe locking arm is in a substantially vertical position.